
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens explores the mechanisms behind the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant's ability to enter human cells and evade neutralizing antibodies. Researchers identified a key mutation, H655Y, in the spike (S) protein, which significantly alters the virus’s cell entry process and its susceptibility to antibody neutralization.
The H655Y mutation stabilizes an intermediate spike protein conformation, delaying the membrane fusion process essential for viral entry. Interestingly, this delay increases the virus’s vulnerability to neutralizing antibodies targeting the S2 domain, specifically stem-helix antibodies. These findings reveal how minor genetic changes can simultaneously impact viral fitness and immune evasion strategies.
Understanding these dynamics not only sheds light on SARS-CoV-2 evolution but also informs the development of next-generation vaccines and therapeutics designed to target conserved viral structures.